“The Sea is vast as it admits all rivers”, Ambassador Yang Yanyi of the Chinese Mission to EU gives her farewell address in Brussels

On Wednesday 20 September 2017 the Chinese Mission to the EU celebrated the 68th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China with the organisation of an excellent Reception at its premises in Brussels. This was the moment that Ambassador Yang Yanyi chose to give her final public speech as the Head of the Chinese Mission to EU after three years and nine months of excellent service. The European Sting was there to cover the occasion. The leaving Ambassador, who produced a unique contribution to the China-EU relations during the past four years, gave a meaningful last speech to the Brussels audience. She first talked about how her country has made huge efforts to deliver a better and more dignified living to its 1.5 billion inhabitants and by ensuring a more dynamic, greener and sustainable economy. China now moves very fast to develop a new open economic system with economic globalization and new industrial revolution at the driver’s seat. Moreover, Ambassador Yang stressed that China plays a primordial role in peaceful development and the endorsment of prosperity and stability in Asia. A balanced and global strategic environment has been a first priority for China. China has been a pioneer for international cooperation with the Belt and Road Forum and the BRICS Summit, which was hosted this year by the Asian giant. According to Ambassador Yang, China’s vision is a win-win global cooperation and interconnected development.  She also stressed that her country has taken concrete measures implementing the Paris climate agreement. What is more, this top Chinese diplomat, highlighted that despite global challenges and unrest, China has indeed played a constructive role in facilitating political solutions of regional issues, contributing to the happiness of people and global prosperity. Most importantly, Ambassador Yang Yanyi reiterated her country’s ultimate goal to forge with the EU a stronger strategic and comprehensive partnership through reform and creativity, in order to ensure a better future for “our peoples”. Finally, the leaving Ambassador devoted the last part of her speech thanking the Brussels niche for a “very exciting and rewarding experience” during her tenure of almost four years. She said she is very glad to have played her part in building strong ties between China and EU and expressed her keen gratitude to Brussels  for the support and kind assistance to her work. She closed her speech by encouraging Brussels to welcome her successor soon to take office with the same warm friendship and cooperation.